Delegate Joseline Pena Melnyk was elected as president of the Maryland House of Delegates on Tuesday, December 16. Her appointment makes history as the first Afro-Latina and immigrant to oversee the lower house of the state legislature. Following her election, Joseline Pena Melnyk delivered her first remarks to the House. “This moment is not just mine, but belongs to every child collecting rainwater in a flowerpot, to every family struggling to make ends meet, to every immigrant who dares to believe that tomorrow can be better than today,” Pena Melnyk said. She immigrated to New York at age 8. The Democrat has represented Prince George's and Anne Arundel counties for the past 10 years. Born in the Dominican Republic, she emigrated with her family to New York at age 8. Pena said she will draw on the resilience and hope she learned as a child, the mentorship she experienced in her political career, and the support of her family, The Baltimore Banner reported. “I will carry those experiences with me into every decision we make as we confront the real challenges facing the United States,” she emphasized. Voto Latino sent a congratulatory message. The Voto Latino congratulated the delegate for “making history organization as the first immigrant to serve as Speaker of the Maryland House of Representatives and the first Dominican American to hold such a position in the nation.” “Throughout her term in the Maryland General Assembly, Delegate Pena Melnyk has demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting equity and racial justice,” Voto Latino shared in a statement. She will promote important initiatives

The delegate will push for the creation of Maryland's first State Commission on Truth and Reconciliation on Lynchings, as well as promote the Shirley Nathan-Pulliam Health Equity Act, which established the Maryland Health Equity Commission to address persistent systemic disparities.

“She exemplifies Latino excellence, and we are confident that she will work to advance a legislative agenda that reflects the lived experiences of all Maryland residents,” the organization stated.

As Speaker of the House,Joseline Pena Melnyk will lead 141 members, select committee chairs and other leaders, define the policy agenda, lead the Democratic majority strategy, and preside over debates, The Baltimore Banner reported.

“I will fight for everyone, no matter where they come from, especially for those who feel ignored. I am an inclusive leader,” Pena Melnyk declared.

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